Need some more help with photoshop

[BlackDog]

I am trying to give this pic that is SOOC an all black back ground.

I tried to burn in the background in photoshop but I don't like some of the edges around the dog. Any tips on how I can achieve what I am looking for?
Here is my "try"...

 

[RockstarPhotography]

put the dog on a new layer. then you can burn our fill with black and the dog won't be affected

 

[ngaerlan]

Mask the background, then paint the background black. Masking the background will allow you to paint the background with painting over the dog.

Nino G. Photography

www.ninogphotography.com

 

[Geaux]

Do it in camera, shoot at higher aperture and leave your off camera lighting the way it is. This was shot at f/14 on a glass dining room table with no backdrop. It actually had tons of junk behind it, including a window and curtains lol.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5475853760_af358f6416_z.jpg